The former Nantes, Marseille and Juventus midfielder hasn’t had an easy ride during his time as Les Blues coach. From dressing room exiles to allegations of racism, injuries to non-starters, there has rarely been a dull moment in the French dug-out.
The Panenka looks at the big decisions the 47-year-old coach has had to make at Euro 2016.
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At World Cup 1982 Les blues met Die Mannschaft in a game that will not be remembered for it’s extra-time comeback, tense penalty shootout or array of magnificent players on show, it will be remembered for one ‘tackle,’ if you can call it that, by the German goalkeeper on Patrick Battiston.
In the build up to the second Euro 2016 semi-final, The Panenka looks back at that famous incident in Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizuan, now known as ‘The Tragedy of Seville.’
The 25-year-old Atletico Madrid striker is the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals, the first Frenchman to hit that milestone at a major tournament since Michel Platini in 1984.
Despite being rejected at youth level by several French clubs because of his size, the cosmopolitan forward appears to be hitting his stride. The Panenka looks at the growth of the man who is undoubtedly Didier Deschamps’ biggest weapon when Les Blues take on Die Mannschaft in the semi-final of Euro 2016
Les Blues are hoping to reach the final of the tournament with a victory over the 2014 World Cup winners.
The Nordic minnows have shocked many at Euro 2016 but the France boss believes they deserve their spot in the last-8 have and have a host of assets in their armory.
Furthermore, the 1998 World Cup winning captain had to defend his actions in an incident when Les Blues last met Iceland in a friendly, just months after being crowned World Champions.
The winner of this tie will set up a semi-final with either Germany or Italy in Marseille.
The Panenka 
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